Cardoso Slams “Pitch Favoritism” In Pirates Title Race
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has accused Orlando Pirates of receiving favourable treatment this season, claiming they were allowed to play on better pitches than his side.
The comments come as Sundowns appear to have relinquished their grip on the Betway Premiership title, with Pirates needing only a victory over Durban City at the sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to secure the championship.
Sundowns have already completed all 30 of their league fixtures due to their involvement in the CAF Champions League final, with the first leg scheduled for this weekend.
Their 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday effectively ended their hopes of winning a ninth consecutive league title.
Cardoso argued that Pirates benefited from more suitable playing venues during the campaign, noting that the Soweto giants did not have to play at Seshego Stadium against Magesi FC or at Olympia Park Stadium against Orbit College FC.
Pirates’ upcoming match against Orbit, scheduled for 23 May, will also not be played at Olympia Park Stadium, with either FNB Stadium or Mbombela Stadium being considered as alternative venues.
“You saw Pirates’ match against Magesi — it was a simulation,” said Cardoso, referring to the penalty incident involving Kamogelo Sebelebele.
“The journey throughout the season has been very tough in terms of the calendar and the pitches. You saw Pirates playing on pitches where we did not play.
“When we played Magesi, they took us to Seshego Stadium, where the pitch is small. But when Pirates played them, they were taken to a bigger venue with a good pitch for football.
“These are realities we had to face. Of course, we should have been stronger on Tuesday, won the match, and reached 71 points.
“But I think it is very important for South African football to introduce VAR as quickly as possible and begin implementing it properly.
“It is a process that needs to happen urgently because the problems will become even bigger next season. VAR is not simple — referees need proper education and training, and that is very important.”
With their domestic campaign now concluded, Sundowns will turn their attention to the CAF Champions League final, where they host Moroccan side AS FAR in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
The Champions League presents Sundowns with an opportunity to cap off the season in historic fashion by securing the club’s second continental title and adding a second star to their crest.
